Celebrate National Aviation Day with these Essential Reads!

August 13, 2025

August 19th is National Aviation Day, a great time to celebrate the history and the future of flight! Whether you’re a seasoned pilot, an aviation enthusiast, or simply curious about the wonders of aircraft, the U.S. Government Bookstore has a wealth of publications to suit your passion. Take to the skies with these fascinating and informative titles:

Soar Through History:

  • First Flight: The Wright Brothers and the Invention of the Airplane: Relive the groundbreaking journey of Wilbur and Orville Wright, the pioneers who dared to dream of flight. This captivating book delves into their tireless efforts, ingenious designs, and the historic moment that changed the world forever. It is a must-read for understanding the very foundations of aviation!

Essential Knowledge for Every Aviator:

  • FAA Safety Briefing: Stay informed and enhance your aviation safety knowledge with this crucial Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) periodical. Packed with articles, insights, and best practices, it covers various topics vital for pilots, mechanics, and aviation professionals. Keep your skills sharp and your flights safe with the latest information.
  • Plane Sense, General Aviation Information: This comprehensive guide provides foundational knowledge for general aviation pilots. Plane Sense is an invaluable resource for student pilots and those looking to refresh their understanding of basic aviation principles, covering topics from aerodynamics and aircraft systems to flight operations and regulations.

Delving Deeper into Flight:

  • Advanced Avionics Handbook: While technology advances rapidly, the fundamental principles of avionics remain crucial. This handbook explores advanced aircraft electronic systems, providing insights into navigation, communication, and flight control technologies. It is a valuable resource for those seeking a deeper understanding of the complexities within the cockpit.
  • Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge: A cornerstone of pilot training, this handbook provides a wealth of information essential for obtaining a pilot certificate. From the principles of flight and aerodynamics to weather theory and regulations, this comprehensive guide lays the groundwork for safe and knowledgeable piloting.

These publications from the U.S. Government Bookstore offer a journey through aviation history and provide the fundamental understanding of safe and successful flying. Visit the bookstore today and let your passion for aviation take flight!

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Blogger Trudy Hawkins is the Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

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Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Honoring the Pioneers: Aviation History Month

November 19, 2024

November is Aviation History Month, a time to celebrate the incredible advancements in aviation and the pioneers who made it possible. From the Wright brothers’ historic flight to the supersonic jets of today, aviation has revolutionized how we travel, communicate, and explore the world.

The Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, are often credited with inventing, building, and flying the world’s first successful motor-operated airplane. Their groundbreaking achievement in 1903 marked the beginning of a new era, paving the way for the development of modern aviation.

First Flight: The Wright Brothers and the Invention of the Airplane, from the National Park Service, offers a comprehensive history of the Wright Brothers. It vividly depicts the brothers’ distinct personalities, while a series of graphic features trace their progress towards developing a practical flying machine. The book also features a foreword by astronaut John Glenn and a colorful foldout illustrating the 1903 Wright Flyer.

Today, aviation continues to push the boundaries of technology and innovation. Aviation has become integral to our lives, from commercial airliners to military aircraft and drones to spacecraft. As we reflect on the past, let’s also look forward to the future of flight and its exciting possibilities.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THIS RESOURCE?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Click here to purchase First Flight: The Wright Brothers and the Invention of the Airplane

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Trudy Hawkins is Government Book Talk Editor and Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

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Posted by Trudy Hawkins

Celebrating National Aviation Week

August 16, 2024

National Aviation Week, celebrated August 19-25, is a yearly observance to celebrate the history and development of aviation. American innovation came to flight in December 1903, when Orville and Wilbur Wright successfully flew a powered aircraft four times, with the longest flight that day being 852 feet!

The U.S. Government Publishing Office (GPO) Bookstore offers the following popular aviation publications.

The FAA Safety Briefing magazine provides updates on major Federal Aviation Administration rule changes and proposed changes and refresher information on flight rules, maintenance airworthiness, avionics, accident analysis, and other topics. It is a must-have for pilots, air traffic controllers, airplane maintenance personnel, and anyone involved in ensuring safe flying.

Naval Aviation News is the flagship publication of naval aviation. It is a military magazine that presents articles of interest on all phases of United States Navy and Marine Corps air activity.

Here are some ways to celebrate National Aviation Week:

  • Learn about aviation history: Discover the fascinating stories of the Wright brothers, Amelia Earhart, and other aviation pioneers.
  • Explore local aviation museums: Visit museums and exhibits that showcase the evolution of flight and the technology behind it.
  • Attend aviation events: Participate in air shows, fly-ins, and other events that celebrate the joy of flying.
  • Support aviation education: Encourage young people to explore careers in aviation and aerospace.

Let’s take this opportunity to appreciate aviation’s incredible achievements and the positive impact it has had on our lives.

The GPO Online Bookstore – Easy Access to Federal Publications

HOW DO I OBTAIN THESE RESOURCES?

Sign up to receive promotional bulletin emails from the US Government Online Bookstore.

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy a vast majority of eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at https://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Order by Phone or Email: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.  Email orders to ContactCenter@gpo.gov

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

Find more than a million official Federal Government publications from all three branches at www.govinfo.gov.

About the author: Trudy Hawkins is Government Book Talk Editor and Senior Marketing & Promotions Specialist in GPO’s Publication & Information Sales Office, supporting the U.S. Government Online Bookstore (https://bookstore.gpo.gov).

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Posted by Trudy Hawkins

The Wright Stuff: Skies & World Transformed

December 16, 2015

They called Dayton, Ohio home and used the wind-shaped dunes of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina as a lift off point. Both places were testing grounds, temporary assignments. For it was the unopened blue that beckoned them skyward and homeward. On December 17th, 1903, the Wilbur and Orville Wright stuck their first—and the world’s first—successful flight in a heavier-than-air, mechanically controlled machine. Twelve seconds in the air turned into over 100 years of aviation progress.

024-005-01212-5Those sibling inventors behind the defining technology of the last century are the subject of a National Park Service handbook entitled “First Flight, The Wright Brothers and the Invention of the Airplane.” In his forward, astronaut and former U.S. Senator John Glenn defers to the duo as the “first astronauts. Their initial short flight opened our quest to reach beyond the world we know. They were the first test pilots.”

In ‘First Flight’, noted Wright biographer Tom D. Crouch recounts their bicycle shop beginnings, hometown life, and aeronautical experimentations. Full page maps and fold-outs tell of the history, visionaries, and mechanics of flight. Pull-out quotes decorate the margins, lending a first person feel to Wilbur & Orville’s story.

Eye witnesses thought the pair were foolhardy—a few spokes short of a wheel. Kitty Hawk resident Millie Daniels said, “A lot of folks thought the Wrights were a little touched, you know…they would  imitate the way birds flew…turn their arms like wings and run through the dunes while watching the gulls.” The birdie brothers weathered the pitch-and-roll of small gains and minor setbacks. In search of strong headwinds to propel their glider, they eventually moved their production from Ohio to the sand flats of the Outer Banks.

The iconic first flight of the Wright brothers in their 1903 Wright Flyer (Credit: NPS Wright Brothers National Memorial)

The iconic first flight of the Wright brothers in their 1903 Wright Flyer (Credit: NPS Wright Brothers National Memorial)

Pitched in tents battered by bitter nor’easters, the Wrights set out to beta test the product of their scientific inquiries. Several seasons of experiments led to design changes that led to repairs that led to reattempts. Finally, on a cold morning of perfect conditions, sustained human flight was achieved. On his first glide into the air, Orville remarked, “It was only a flight of twelve seconds, and it was uncertain, wavy, creeping sort of flight at best; but it was a real flight at last…”

A foolhardy flying machine became a phenomena of human achievement. The Wright Brothers made their home above the world and consequently changed the world.

How do I obtain First Flight?

Shop Online Anytime: You can buy eBooks or print publications —with FREE Standard Shipping worldwide— from the U.S. Government Online Bookstore at http://bookstore.gpo.gov.

Shop our Retail Store: Buy a copy of any print editions from this collection at GPO’s retail bookstore at 710 North Capitol Street NW, Washington, DC 20401, open Monday–Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except Federal holidays, Call (202) 512-0132 for information or to arrange in-store pick-up.

Order by Phone: Call our Customer Contact Center Monday through Friday, 8 am to 5:30 pm Eastern (except US Federal holidays). From US and Canada, call toll-free 1.866.512.1800. DC or International customers call +1.202.512.1800.

Visit a Federal depository library: Search for U.S. Government publications in a nearby Federal depository library. You can find the records for most titles in GPO’s Catalog of U.S. Government Publications.

About the author: Our guest blogger is Chelsea Milko, Public Relations Specialist in GPO’s Public Relations Office.

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Posted by Trudy Hawkins